Cambridge

CELTA

CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge Assessment English is the world's most widely recognised English teaching qualification, and the one most often requested by employers. ICD is a Cambridge-authorised CELTA training centre in Pakistan.
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Upcoming CELTA Course Dates

Upcoming courses via ICD Pakistan
Course
Course dates
CELTA Online (Part-Time)
Oct - Dec 2026
Celta Face to Face (Full-Time)
June /July 2027

Quick Facts

Awarding Body
Cambridge Assessment English 
Study Mode
Face-to-face, online, or part-time
Course Format
120+ hours, continuously assessed
Assessment
Teaching practice + written assignments
Certification
Cambridge CELTA certificate
Duration
4 wks (F2F) / 5 wks (online) / 12 wks (part-time)

What will you learn?

CELTA suits new teachers starting their career with no experience, as well as experienced teachers looking to formalise their skills with an internationally recognised qualification. It's for both native and non-native English speakers, and for anyone who wants to teach English abroad or pursue a higher-level qualification like DELTA afterwards. In Pakistan specifically, many higher-paying teacher trainer and academic coordinator roles require a CELTA.

Eligibility Criteria

At least 20 years of age
Proficient users of English at C1 level or above
Educated to a standard equivalent to entry into higher education (e.g. higher secondary school or A-levels)
Able to commit fully to the chosen course schedule — CELTA requires a minimum of 120 contact hours plus around 80 hours of independent reading, assignments, and lesson preparation

Skills You will gain

Learners, teachers, and the teaching context
Adult learners' backgrounds and motivations, learning and teaching preferences, varieties of English, and multilingualism
Language skills
Reading, listening, speaking, and writing — how learners acquire them, and how to plan lessons that develop them
Planning and resources
Principles of lesson planning for adult learners, evaluating your own planning, and selecting and adapting materials
Teaching skills and professionalism
Classroom organisation and presence, teacher and learner language, monitoring learning, and ongoing professional development
Language analysis and awareness
Core ELT terminology, grammar, lexis, and phonology, and how to analyse language for teaching
By the end of the course, you will be able to:
Acquire essential subject knowledge and familiarity with the principles of effective teaching
Acquire a range of practical skills for teaching English to adult learners
Demonstrate your ability to apply this learning in a real teaching context

Three ways to take your CELTA

However you choose to take your course, you get the same standard of training at one of our authorised centres, receive the same CELTA qualification and the same internationally recognised CELTA certificate from Cambridge English.

Face-to-face

Teaching practice

Your classroom teaching will be:

  • face-to-face in a classroom
  • live, with groups of learners
  • live, with groups of learners

Training

Your training sessions will be face-to-face with a trainer, or a combination of online study with trainer support.

Online

Teaching practice

Your classroom teaching will be:

  • in an online learning environment
  • live, with groups of learners
  • observed by your trainer

Training

Your training sessions will combine online study, live online sessions and trainer support.

Mix of face-to-face and online

Teaching practice

Your classroom teaching will be:

  • include lessons face-to-face in a classroom and lessons in an online learning environment
  • be live with groups of learners
  • be observed by your trainer

Training

Your training sessions may be face-to-face, online, or a combination of both, with trainer support.

Preparing for CELTA

We have a range of resources and guidance to help you start your CELTA journey and get the most from your course.
Tips to help you prepare for your CELTA interview

You’ve found a centre, applied and been invited for interview – congratulations!

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There’s no need to worry – your CELTA interview is about getting to know you, finding out about your skills and motivations, and making sure the course is right for you.

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Here are our top tips for preparing for your interview.

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1. Try to relax

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The CELTA interview isn’t a test. Instead, it’s designed to get to know you. During the interview, you’ll talk about your experience, goals and the course content, so you and your interviewer can be sure it’s the right qualification for you.

2. Review your written application

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Your application form will give you a good idea of the kind of areas you’ll be asked about during the interview. Take time to review it ahead of your interview to be fully prepared.

3. Do your research

Do you know what to expect on a CELTA course? There’s lots to consider so it's important to do your research. Here are some questions you could look into ahead of your interview:

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  • What is an ‘intensive’ course?
  • What will you be doing on the course?
  • What topics does the course cover?

It’s also a good idea to prepare some good, relevant questions to ask the interviewer. This shows you’re interested and can give you a greater insight into the course.

4. Think about why you want to take CELTA

What do you expect to get out of taking CELTA? Be prepared for your interviewer to ask this question and answer honestly – they just want to understand your real motivation behind taking the course.

5. Consider your reaction to feedback

Receiving feedback can help you develop your skills, and identify your strengths and the areas you need to practise more.

7. Explore your beliefs about teaching and learning

Our previous experiences play a huge role in our beliefs and views of the world. Whether you’re new to teaching or already have experience, it’s important to think about your beliefs about teaching and learning.

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If teaching is a new career path for you, you could think about your experience of being taught by a particular teacher – what worked well and why? Or, if you are already a teacher, what activities and lessons have worked well with your students? Consider what made them successful and how this informs your teaching practice.

8. Get set up online

Many CELTA interviews will be done online. Make sure you are calm and prepared for your interview by checking your speaker and microphone are working, and set yourself up in a place that is quiet and connected to the internet.

Resources to help you prepare for your course

Discover our range of resources to help you prepare for CELTA success.

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Get a head start with our free CELTA preparation modules

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Our free, online preparation modules provide an introduction to the CELTA course and the key theories and concepts it covers. There are three modules, which can be taken individually or in any order or combination.

  • Introduction to the CELTA course explains how CELTA works and introduces the course components
  • Introduction to language teaching and learning outlines theories of language teaching and learning which underpin the practical CELTA course
  • Introduction to language awareness raises your awareness of different features of lexis, grammar and pronunciation, and supports you to apply this throughout your CELTA course

Official Cambridge course materials

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Your centre may recommend that you purchase a textbook to use on the course. If you get one, look through it before the course starts to help you feel more prepared for what’s to come.

The CELTA Course Second edition provides full coverage of the latest syllabus and includes a range of supplementary materials to help you get the most from your course. It is the only official CELTA preparation coursebook.

The Trainee Book offers accessible preparation materials that can support you throughout your course, either as an assigned textbook or as a supplementary resource.

A Trainer’s Manual is also available and provides trainers with all the material they need to deliver CELTA, whether in the classroom, online or as a blended course.

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Find out more

Preparing to start your course – your CELTA checklist

Starting a new course can be daunting, but there’s lots you can do to get a head start and make sure you’re ready to succeed.

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1. Talk to CELTA graduates

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Talking to people who have already taken CELTA can be a great way to get a real-life insight into the course. If you don’t know anyone who has a CELTA qualification, watch our YouTube playlist to find out more about what to expect.

2. Clear your schedule

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If you’re taking CELTA full time, you will be studying intensively to complete at least 120 hours of course time and over 80 hours of preparation and self-study time. While taking your CELTA, it’s a good idea to postpone social commitments and keep your diary free so you can focus fully on achieving your qualification.

3. Stay positive

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Getting feedback can be hard, but it’s an essential part of your learning and development. Be prepared to accept feedback from your trainers and course peers without getting defensive. Instead, see it as an opportunity for growth. You’ll also be expected to give feedback to other trainees, too. Try to be honest and offer constructive advice when asked.

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4. Practise your English

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How is your knowledge of English systems? If you’re not confident, it can be useful to refresh your knowledge of English language terminology – the tense system, parts of speech etc. before starting CELTA, so you feel confident talking about them during the course.

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5. Make friends

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Whether you’re learning online or face-to-face, getting to know other course participants can make your experience of CELTA even more rewarding. You’ll learn a lot from them and you will also be able to work together and support each other.

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6. Remember: you can do it!

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CELTA can be demanding, but it will be worth it! During the course, it’s normal to feel happy and excited as well as tired or disappointed at times. Just remember why you started your CELTA and how far you’ve already progressed.

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Remember to speak to your fellow trainees and talk to your trainer when you need extra support.

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Online CELTA and Teaching Courses

Assessment

CELTA has no final exam. You're assessed continuously throughout the course, based on a minimum of 6 hours of supervised teaching practice (across two ability levels) and four written assignments. Cambridge externally moderates every course through an approved assessor, and grades on successful completion are Pass A, Pass B, or Pass.
Module 1
Language and background to language learning and teaching
Module 2
Language and background to language learning and teaching
Module 3
Language and background to language learning and teaching
Module 1
Language and background to language learning and teaching
Module 2
Language and background to language learning and teaching
Module 3
Language and background to language learning and teaching

Admission Process

Apply
Submit ICD's application form, plus the admission processing fee
Show your English level
Pass ICD's online Admission Test (C1 level, all four skills), or skip it with a qualifying score from an exam Cambridge already recognises
Interview
Complete a short pre-interview task, then attend an online interview and writing task
Confirm Your Seat
A deposit holds your place, with the balance due before the course starts

Fill up this form

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Course

Accepted score

IELTS
7.0
TOEFL iBT
98 -103
Duolingo English Test
130
PTE Academic
76–84
C1 Advanced (CAE)
193–199 (Grade B)
Linguaskill
180+
Seats are limited and offered on a first-come basis to qualifying candidates; the full process can take up to 4 weeks. Exact fees and deadlines are subject to change — confirm current figures with ICD before publishing. ICD's Pre-CELTA course is available for candidates who want extra preparation before applying.

AI Ethics & Usage Policy (Summary)

ICD maintains an AI Ethics & Usage Policy for its CELTA and DELTA programmes, to protect the integrity of assessment and keep the human element central to teacher training.
Permitted
Brainstorming lesson themes or warm-up ideas
Sourcing authentic materials (e.g. finding a news article at a specific level)
Using AI as a dictionary or for language clarification
Not Permitted
Generating entire written assignments (e.g. Focus on the Learner)
Using AI to write a lesson plan's rationale, procedure, or anticipated problems
Submitting AI-generated text as original work without disclosure
Every written submission must include an AI Declaration Statement confirming whether AI tools were used and, if so, how. Undeclared use of AI in assessed work is treated as academic malpractice and can lead to withdrawal from the course.

FAQs

Do I need teaching experience to apply?
No. CELTA is an initial teaching qualification, suitable for people with no experience as well as those with some teaching background who want a formal, internationally recognised qualification.
Is the CELTA exam a single final test?
No. CELTA has no final exam — it's assessed continuously throughout the course, based on your teaching practice (a minimum of 6 assessed hours, working with classes at two levels) and four written assignments.
Can I use AI tools during the course?
Some uses are permitted — like brainstorming lesson ideas or sourcing authentic materials — but AI cannot be used to draft your lesson plans or written assignments. Every submission requires a declaration of whether AI was used and how. See ICD's full AI Ethics & Usage Policy for details.

Centre Authentication & Recognition

ICD states it is the only Cambridge-authorised CELTA centre in Pakistan (Centre Number PK585).
Find a Cambridge teaching qualification centre
Check CELTA's global recognition

Meet the Team

Our tutors bring a wide range of expertise across teaching qualifications, language training, corporate development, and academic instruction. Below is a selection of our current instructors.

Syeda Alishbah Zehra

Founder & CEO of IWZ International

Aminah Ali

English Language Educator & Teacher Trainer

Warjil Augustine

IELTS Trainer

Sadaf Iftikhar

Instructor

Syeda Alishbah Zehra

Founder & CEO of IWZ International

A CELTA Certified Trainer from the University of Cambridge, Syeda Alishbah Zehra serves as a Pre-CELTA Interview Examiner, Cambridge Speaking Examiner and Train-the-Trainer at the Institute of Career Development (ICD), Karachi. She previously dedicated five years to Beaconhouse Defence Campus as Cambridge O Level English Language and Global Perspectives Subject Specialist, contributing to academic development and student learning.

Today, as the Founder & CEO of IWZ International, Zehra has built an education enterprise dedicated to international English education and learning opportunities. She is a British Council Trained IELTS Trainer. Under her leadership, IWZ received two distinctions from the British Council: Best Emerging Partner – South Region (2024) and Highest Volume Contributor (2025–26). IWZ operates as an official British Council IELTS preparation and registration centre, reflecting her commitment to accessible, internationally recognised education.

Her professional association with the British Council continues through IWZ’s partnership, alongside her recently completed contractual tenure as a Professional Qualifications Examinations Officer for Sindh and Balochistan, where she supported the secure administration and quality assurance of international examinations.

A distinguished Gold Medallist of the Pakistan Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management (PITHM), Batch of 2017, Zehra earned the highest marks among all the students in her batch, receiving recognition from the Minister of Culture & Arts, Sindh. She began her professional journey in hospitality, gaining experience at Marriott International, Karachi, before establishing herself as an entrepreneur and education leader.

In 2024, Zehra represented Pakistan as an IMI delegate at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during an official month-long visit associated with the 68th Commission on the Status of Women. Her engagement reflects her commitment to women's representation and the advancement of equality and quality in education for all.

Guided by the principles of UN Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 10: Quality Education and Reduced Inequalities, Zehra is committed to advancing equitable access to quality education for all, regardless of social or economic background. Through her entrepreneurial leadership, educational initiatives and international engagement, she champions inclusive learning opportunities that empower individuals, bridge inequalities and make education a pathway to greater opportunity.

Aminah Ali

English Language Educator & Teacher Trainer

Aminah Ali is a Cambridge CELTA-certified English language educator and teacher trainer with over ten years of experience. She holds an MPhil in American Studies and an MSc in Applied Linguistics. She currently teaches at National Defence University and Bahria University, Islamabad, specialising in EFL, ESP, academic writing and business communication. At AlBasir, she designed and delivered workplace English programmes for software professionals. At the Institute of Career Development, she trains aspiring teachers on the Advanced TEFL programme. Her expertise includes curriculum design, language assessment and communicative language teaching across academic and professional contexts.

Warjil Augustine

IELTS Trainer

Warjil  is an educational leader, master trainer, and language assessment specialist based in Karachi, Pakistan. Serving as School Principal at Pak British Schooling System, he brings advanced qualifications in international pedagogy and curriculum design.

His expertise spans institutional governance, Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs), and faculty development workshops. Additionally, he specializes in high-stakes test preparation for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, and the Duolingo English Test, delivering strategic masterclasses and tailored instructional frameworks.

Sadaf Iftikhar

Instructor

About Sadaf

Sadaf Iftikhar CELTA certified TESOL Professional | Cambridge Certified Tutor | Teacher Trainer | English Lecturer | Tutor & Assessor. Extensive experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), including instruction and administration in ESL programs in primary, secondary, higher, adult, and continuing education environments. Active in TESOL professional organizations.

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Aya Badr

Instructor

About Aya

Aya Badr is a Cambridge CELTA Main Course Tutor, freelance Teacher Trainer with the British Council, and experienced IELTS Trainer. She is an edupreneur, educational consultant, and Academic Director at Teachers College, where she leads the development and delivery of professional teacher education programmes. Aya holds a Level 7 DipTESOL from Trinity College London, alongside Cambridge qualifications in Train the Trainer and Educational Leadership and Management. With extensive experience in teacher development, academic leadership, and language education, she is passionate about empowering educators and creating meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.

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Anna Hasper

Instructor

About Anna

Anna Hasper Teacher Development Specialist ▏CELTA/DELTA Trainer & Assessor⚡ Empowering ELT teachers to enable better learning ▏SEL, IELTS & YLs ▏Course & Materials designer ▏Educational consultant ▏ELT author▏

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Hina Tehman

Instructor

About Hina

Hina Tehman CELTA certified/Teachers Trainer/Academic Coordinator at LGS

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Peter Lucantoni

Instructor

About Peter

Peter Lucantoni is the author and co-author of a range of popular course books for students, including Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language and Introduction to English as a Second Language. He is also co-author with Matthew Ellman of From Teacher to Trainer, all published by Cambridge University Press. Peter regularly speaks at ELT conferences and trains teachers internationally in both the public and private sectors.

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Alexandar Makarios

CELTA Instructor

About Alexandar

Experienced teacher trainer and educator with expertise in Cambridge CELTA, DELTA, and Train-the-Trainer courses. Extensive background in designing and delivering EFL lessons across diverse contexts, managing teacher training programs, and collaborating with Cambridge for course standardization. Proficient in staff mentoring, test development, and client communication, with international teaching experience in Greece, South Africa, and China.

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Danilo Garrido

Instructor

About Danilo

Danilo Garrido is a doctoral candidate in Language Studies at PUC-Rio with extensive experience in English language teaching, both face-to-face and online. He is a CELTA tutor, ELT materials editor, Cambridge speaking examiner, and a professional translator between English and Brazilian Portuguese